Modular plumbing units

ABSTRACT

A modular plumbing unit including: a frame adapted to be placed in a wall; plumbing fittings adapted for connection to a predetermined configuration of plumbing fixtures to one or more of a water supply, drain or vent within the wall; and one or more brackets for securing one or more of the plumbing fittings to the frame

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to plumbing, and more particularly to modular plumbing units having predetermined configurations for use in bathrooms and/or kitchens.

2. Prior Art

Plumbers often set up kitchens and bathrooms in both commercial and residential locations for a standard configuration of plumbing fixtures, such as urinals, toilets, basin/sinks/vanities, bathtubs and washing machines. For example, a plumber may plumb the necessary plumbing fittings, such as pipe, couplings, valves, flanges and the like for a standard configuration of urinals in a commercial bathroom where the urinals will each be a predetermined distance from the floor and a predetermined distance (or pitch) between each other. As another example, the plumbing may plumb the necessary fittings for a standard residential bathroom having a basin/sinks/vanities, toilet and bathtub, where the basin/sinks/vanities, toilet and bathroom are laid out in a standard configuration with regard to each other.

Such plumbing requires a skilled plumber and can be very labor intensive. The plumber must plumb all of the necessary plumbing fittings for each of the plumbing fixtures to operate properly and must assure that fittings for connecting to the plumbing fixtures are properly located according to the predetermined configuration.

These and other shortcomings of the prior art are addressed by the novel modular plumbing units disclosed below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a modular plumbing unit is provided. The modular plumbing unit comprises: a frame adapted to be placed in a wall; plumbing fittings adapted for connection to a predetermined configuration of plumbing fixtures to one or more of a water supply, drain or vent within the wall; and one or more brackets for securing one or more of the plumbing fittings to the frame.

The frame can be adapted for commercial use in which case the frame can be adapted for covering by a block wall.

The frame can be adapted for residential use in which case the frame can be adapted for covering by sheetrock.

The frame can have a U-shaped cross-section with an open end of the U-shaped cross-section facing an interior of the frame.

At least one of the plumbing fittings can extend beyond a plane defined by the frame for connection to a corresponding one of the plumbing fixtures.

The predetermined configuration can be a bathroom configuration. The bathroom configuration can be a plurality of urinals. The bathroom configuration can be a plurality of sinks. The bathroom configuration can be a sink. The bathroom configuration can be a sink and a toilet. The bathroom configuration can be a sink, a toilet and a bathtub.

The predetermined configuration can also be a kitchen configuration.

At least one of the one or more brackets can be a strap and/or a pipe clamp.

Also provided is a method for connecting a predetermined configuration of plumbing fixtures to one or more of a water supply, drain or vent within a wall. The method comprising: placing the plumbing fittings adapted for connection to the predetermined configuration of plumbing fixtures in a frame adapted to be placed in the wall; securing one or more of the plumbing fittings to the frame; and placing the frame in the wall.

The method can further comprise placing a wall covering over at least a portion of the frame after the frame is placed in the wall. The placing of the plumbing fittings can comprise extending at least one of the plumbing fittings beyond a plane defined by the frame for connection to a corresponding one of the plumbing fixtures.

Still further provided is a method of manufacturing a modular frame unit for use in connecting a predetermined configuration of plumbing fixtures to one or more of a water supply, drain or vent within a wall. The method comprising: constructing the frame adopted to be placed in the wall; placing the plumbing fittings adapted for connection to the predetermined configuration of plumbing fixtures in the frame; and securing one or more of the plumbing fittings to the frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where like reference numerals refer to like features and:

FIG. 1 illustrates a frame of a modular plumbing unit for commercial back-to-back water closet configuration.

FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional view of a wall having a modular plumbing unit for a commercial back-to-back water closet configuration.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a modular plumbing unit for a commercial back-to-back water closet configuration.

FIG. 4 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a commercial back-to-back water closet configuration.

FIG. 4 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit for a commercial back-to-back water closet configuration.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic isometric view of a variation of the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 4 a.

FIG. 6 illustrates a frame of a modular plumbing unit for commercial one-sided water closet configuration.

FIG. 7 illustrates a sectional view of a wall having a modular plumbing unit for a commercial one-sided water closet configuration.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of a modular plumbing unit for a commercial one-sided water closet configuration.

FIG. 9 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a commercial one-sided water closet configuration.

FIG. 9 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit for a commercial one-sided water closet configuration.

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic isometric view of a variation of the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 9 a.

FIG. 11 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a commercial one-sided urinal configuration.

FIG. 11 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit for a commercial one-sided urinal configuration.

FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic isometric view of a variation of the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 11 a.

FIG. 13 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a commercial one sided-sink configuration.

FIG. 13 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit for a commercial one-sided sink configuration.

FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic isometric view of a variation of the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 4 a.

FIG. 15 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a commercial two-piece handicap bathroom configuration.

FIG. 15 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit for a commercial two-piece handicap bathroom configuration.

FIG. 16 illustrates a schematic isometric view of a variation of the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 15 a.

FIGS. 17 a-17 e illustrate isometric views of various frames for use in residential configurations.

FIG. 18 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential tub/basin/bowl configuration.

FIG. 18 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 18 a.

FIG. 18 c illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential tub/bowl/basin configuration.

FIG. 18 d illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 18 c.

FIG. 19 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential tub/basin/bowl configuration having a washing machine on the other side of the wall from the tub/basin/bowl.

FIG. 19 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 19 a.

FIG. 19 c illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential tub/bowl/basin configuration having a washing machine on the other side of the wall from the tub/bowl/basin.

FIG. 19 d illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 19 c.

FIG. 20 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential tub/basin/bowl configuration having a kitchen/laundry sink on the other side of the wall from the tub/basin/bowl where the kitchen/laundry sink is between the basin and bowl.

FIG. 20 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 20 a.

FIG. 20 c illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential tub/bowl/basin configuration having a kitchen/laundry sink on the other side of the wall from the tub/bowl/basin where the kitchen/laundry sink is between the bowl and basin.

FIG. 20 d illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 20 c.

FIG. 20 e illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential tub/bowl/basin configuration having a kitchen/laundry sink on the other side of the wall from the tub/bowl/basin where the kitchen/laundry sink is between the tub and bowl.

FIG. 20 f illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 20 e.

FIG. 21 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential tub/basin/bowl configuration having a kitchen/laundry sink and washing machine on the other side of the wall from the tub/basin/bowl where the washing machine is on the left and the kitchen/laundry sink is on the right.

FIG. 21 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 21 a.

FIG. 21 c illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential tub/bowl/basin configuration having a kitchen/laundry sink and washing machine on the other side of the wall from the tub/basin/bowl where the washing machine is on the left and the kitchen/laundry sink is on the right.

FIG. 21 d illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 21 c.

FIG. 22 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential basin and bowl configuration where the basin is on the left and the bowl is on the right.

FIG. 22 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 22 a.

FIG. 23 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential basin and bowl configuration where the bowl is on the left and the basin is on the right.

FIG. 23 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 23 a.

FIG. 24 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential washing machine and laundry sink configuration where the washing machine is on the left and the laundry sink is on the right and the waste line is horizontal.

FIG. 24 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 24 a.

FIG. 25 illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential washing machine and laundry sink configuration where the washing machine is on the left and the laundry sink is on the right and the waste line is vertical.

FIG. 26 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential washing machine and laundry sink configuration where the washing machine is on the right and the laundry sink is on the left and the waste line is horizontal.

FIG. 26 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 26 a.

FIG. 27 illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential washing machine and laundry sink configuration where the washing machine is on the right and the laundry sink is on the left and the waste line is vertical.

FIG. 28 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential basin and bowl configuration where the basin is on the left and the bowl is on the right and plumbing fittings are also provided such that a laundry/kitchen sink is on the other side of the wall from the basin and bowl.

FIG. 28 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 28 a.

FIG. 29 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential bowl and basin configuration where the bowl is on the left and the basin is on the right and plumbing fittings are also provided such that a laundry/kitchen sink is on the other side of the wall from the bowl and basin.

FIG. 29 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 29 a.

FIG. 30 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential bowl/basin/tub configuration.

FIG. 30 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 30 a.

FIG. 31 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential bowl/basin/tub configuration having a washing machine on the other side of the wall from the bowl/basin/tub.

FIG. 31 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 31 a.

FIG. 32 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential bowl/basin/tub configuration having a kitchen/laundry sink on the other side of the wall from the bowl/basin/tub where the kitchen/laundry sink is between the basin and tub.

FIG. 32 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 32 a.

FIG. 33 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential bowl/basin/tub configuration having a kitchen/laundry sink on the other side of the wall from the bowl/basin/tub where the kitchen/laundry sink is between the bowl and basin.

FIG. 33 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 33 a.

FIG. 34 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential basin/bowl/tub configuration.

FIG. 34 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 34 a.

FIG. 35 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential basin/bowl/tub configuration having a washing machine on the other side of the wall from the basin/bowl/tub.

FIG. 35 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 35 a.

FIG. 36 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential basin/bowl/tub configuration having a kitchen/laundry sink on the other side of the wall from the basin/bowl/tub where the kitchen/laundry sink is between the bowl and tub.

FIG. 36 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 36 a.

FIG. 37 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential basin/bowl/tub configuration having a kitchen/laundry sink on the other side of the wall from the basin/bowl/tub where the kitchen/laundry sink is between the basin and bowl.

FIG. 38 illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 37 a.

FIG. 39 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential vanity/bowl/tub configuration wherein the vanity is on a left side perpendicular wall.

FIG. 39 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 39 a.

FIG. 40 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential tub/bowl/vanity configuration wherein the vanity is on a right side perpendicular wall.

FIG. 40 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 40 a.

FIG. 41 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential vanity/bowl/tub configuration wherein the vanity is on a left side perpendicular wall having a kitchen/laundry sink on the other side of the left side perpendicular wall.

FIG. 41 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 41 a.

FIG. 42 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential tub/bowl/vanity configuration wherein the vanity is on a right side perpendicular wall having a kitchen/laundry sink on the other side of the right side perpendicular wall.

FIG. 42 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 42 a.

FIG. 43 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential vanity/bowl/tub configuration wherein the vanity is on a left side perpendicular wall having a kitchen/laundry sink on the other side of the wall from the vanity/bowl/tub and between the vanity and bowl.

FIG. 43 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 43 a.

FIG. 44 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential vanity/bowl/tub configuration wherein the vanity is on a left side perpendicular wall having a kitchen/laundry sink on the other side of the wall from the vanity/bowl/tub and between the bowl and tub.

FIG. 44 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 44 a.

FIG. 45 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential tub/bowl/vanity configuration wherein the vanity is on a right side perpendicular wall having a kitchen/laundry sink on the other side of the wall from the tub/bowl/vanity and between the tub and bowl.

FIG. 45 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 45 a.

FIG. 46 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential tub/bowl/vanity configuration wherein the vanity is on a right side perpendicular wall having a kitchen/laundry sink on the other side of the wall from the tub/bowl/vanity and between the bowl and vanity.

FIG. 46 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 46 a.

FIG. 47 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential vanity/bowl/tub configuration wherein the vanity is on a left side perpendicular wall having a washing machine and a kitchen/laundry sink on the other side of the wall from the vanity/bowl/tub where the washing machine is on the left and the kitchen/laundry sink is on the right.

FIG. 47 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 47 a.

FIG. 48 a illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential tub/bowl/vanity configuration wherein the vanity is on a right side perpendicular wall having a washing machine and a kitchen/laundry sink on the other side of the wall from the tub/bowl/vanity where the washing machine is on the left and the kitchen/laundry sink is on the right.

FIG. 48 b illustrates a schematic top view of the plumbing fixtures used with the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 48 a.

FIG. 49 illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential washing machine configuration having a vertical waste line.

FIG. 50 illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential washing machine configuration having a horizontal waste line.

FIG. 51 illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential kitchen/laundry sink configuration having a vertical waste line.

FIG. 52 illustrates a schematic isometric view of a modular plumbing unit for a residential kitchen/laundry sink configuration having a horizontal waste line.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The modular plumbing units described below are for standard plumbing configurations and can be for commercial as well as residential applications. However, such configurations are not intended to be exhaustive but are given by way of example only. Other configurations may be used as well as custom configurations fabricated corresponding to custom (non-standard) plumbing configurations.

In general, the modular plumbing units include a frame adapted to be placed in a wall; plumbing fittings adapted for connection to a predetermined configuration of plumbing fixtures to one or more of a water supply, drain or vent within the wall; and one or more brackets for securing the plumbing fittings to the frame. As used herein, plumbing fixtures refer to those items used by people, such as sinks, water closets, urinals, bathtubs, washer, dryer, dishwashers and the like, while plumbing fittings refer to the plumbing components necessary to connect such plumbing fixtures to their necessary hook-ups (water supplies, vent lines, waste lines, and the like), such as piping, tubing, tees, elbows, couplings, flanges, traps, valves, water closet and urinal carriers and the like. The above listing of plumbing fixtures and fittings is also not intended to be exhaustive, but are instead set forth by way of example.

The frame can be configured for the particular type of wall that it is being installed into and/or the particular plumbing configuration that is being used. For example, FIG. 1 shows a frame 100 adapted for a commercial back-to-back water closet configuration. Commercial applications generally have walls that are blocked rather than sheetrocked, which is favored in residential applications. The frame 100 can be constructed of first and second angle iron frame units 102, 104 which are connected by angle iron connector pieces 105. The connections can be by welding or other connection methods known in the art, such as by fasteners. Although iron may be preferred, other metals, such as aluminum and steel can be used, as well as synthetic materials, such as fiberglass. The width dimension 106 of the frame 100 is chosen depending on the required thickness of the wall, such as 16″ in typical commercial back-to-back water closet applications (see FIG. 2). As shown in the wall cross-section of FIG. 2, portions of the frame 100, such as at 108 may include notches to accommodate one or more plumbing fixtures. FIG. 2 shows a water closet carrier 103 which is fastened to the frame 100, such as by welding. The height and length dimensions of the frame 100 will vary according to the plumbing configuration. Generally, plumbing fixtures in commercial applications are lower than 48″ from the floor, thus the frame height can be 48 inches to accommodate most commercial plumbing configurations. However, other applications, such as a tub or enclosure having a showerhead, may require a height greater than 48 inches. The length of the frame 100 can be chosen depending on the number of fixtures or may be stacked horizontally (and/or vertically) to accommodate the number of fixtures used and/or the particular plumbing configuration. FIG. 3 shows a front view of a typical back-to-back commercial water closet configuration having water closet carriers 103, vent 110, stack 112 and drain 114 lines, water closet flanges 116 and couplings 118. In FIG. 3, the vent lines are shown schematically as a dashed and solid line, the stack line is shown schematically as a solid line and the frame is shown partially at the bottom thereof to clearly illustrate the water closet carrier 103. The water closet carrier(s) can be fastened to the bottom of the frame, as discussed above, such as by welding the same to the frame. As also discussed later, one or more brackets are used, where necessary, for securing the plumbing fittings to the frame. Tie wraps or other strapping may also be used to secure the plumbing fittings to the frame or to each other.

FIG. 4 a illustrates the frame 100 with a schematic representation of a modular plumbing unit 10 having plumbing fittings necessary for a typical back-to-back commercial water closet configuration having a horizontal waste line 120. The plumbing fittings schematics in FIG. 4 a and those to follow are for standard plumbing fittings as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, such as tees, couplings, elbows and the like and will therefore not be described in detail herein. FIG. 4 a also illustrates individual water supply plumbing fittings 111 for supplying cold water to the individual water closets 122. FIG. 4 b illustrates a schematic top view of the back-to-back water closet 122 configuration corresponding to the modular plumbing unit 10 shown in FIG. 4 a. The water closet carriers 103 are also not shown in FIG. 4 a schematically having an end cap 113 on one end thereof and a waste line 120 on the other end. In general, the waste line can extend outside of the boundary of the frame 100, for example by 2-6 inches so as to facilitate an easier hook up to the building's drain line. Other lines, such as the vent line 110 and cold water supply line 109 can extend similarly outside the boundary of the frame 100 to facilitate an easier hook up to the building's water supply line and vent stack. Furthermore, a pipe bracket 124 is shown in FIG. 4 a for supporting the vent line 110. Although, the pipe bracket 124 is shown, other brackets may be used to support the vent line 110 or any of the other plumbing fittings necessary for the modular plumbing unit 10. Pipe rests can also be used for providing a resting surface for a plumbing fitting. Pipe brackets rests are well known in the art and will not be described herein. Such pipe brackets may be secured to one or more sides of the frame by fasteners or welding or the like and generally have a member for holding the plumbing fitting, such as an adjustable band for clamping around the plumbing fitting. FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative modular plumbing unit 12 for a back-to-back commercial water closet configuration having a vertical waste line 120 a. In such configuration, the vertical waste line can also secured to the frame 100 with a pipe bracket or other securing bracket.

FIG. 6 illustrates another frame 100 a that can be used in commercial applications having a similar construction as that described above with regard to FIG. 1, however, frame 100 a shown in FIG. 6 has a width 106 a configured for plumbing fixtures on one side thereof. Such a width 106 a can be approximately 12″ as shown in the wall cross-section of FIG. 7 to accommodate a one-sided water closet carrier 103 a. FIG. 8 shows a top view of the frame 101 a used in a typical one sided commercial water closet configuration FIG. 9 a illustrates the frame 100 a with a schematic representation of a modular plumbing unit 14 having plumbing fittings necessary for a typical one sided commercial water closet configuration having a horizontal waste line 120. FIG. 9 b illustrates a schematic top view of the one sided water closet 122 configuration corresponding to the modular plumbing unit 14 shown in FIG. 9 a. A pipe bracket 124 is shown in FIG. 9 a for supporting the vent line 110, other brackets and/or straps may be used to support the vent line 110 or any of the other plumbing fittings necessary for the modular plumbing unit 14. As discussed above, the water carrier 103 a is shown schematically and can be fastened directly to the frame 100 a, such as by welding. FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative modular plumbing unit 16 for a one-sided commercial water closet configuration having a vertical waste line 120 a. In such configuration, the vertical waste line can also secured to the frame 100 a with a pipe bracket or other securing bracket.

FIG. 11 a illustrates a frame 100 b with a schematic representation of a modular plumbing unit 18 having plumbing fittings necessary for a typical one sided commercial urinal configuration having a horizontal waste line 120. FIG. 11 b illustrates a schematic top view of the one sided urinal 126 configuration corresponding to the modular plumbing unit 14 shown in FIG. 11 a. FIG. 11 a illustrates a urinal carrier 105 supported on the frame 100 b as well as individual cold water supply fittings 121 necessary for supplying cold water to each of the urinals 126. Although not shown, the urinal carrier 105 typically is supported from the lower portion of the frame by threaded studs, which fasten to portions of the urinal carrier 105 to support the same. Pipe brackets 124 are shown in FIG. 11 a for supporting an internal water supply line 128, other brackets may be used to support such lines or any of the other plumbing fittings necessary for the modular plumbing unit 18. FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative modular plumbing unit 20 for a one-sided commercial urinal configuration having a vertical waste line 120 a. In such configuration, the vertical waste line is also secured to the frame 100 b with a pipe bracket or other securing bracket.

FIG. 13 a illustrates a frame 100 c with a schematic representation of a modular plumbing unit 22 having plumbing fittings necessary for a typical one sided commercial sink configuration having a horizontal waste line 120 and vertical vent line 110 and cold 109 and hot 107 water supply lines. FIG. 13 b illustrates a schematic top view of the one-sided sink 132 configuration corresponding to the modular plumbing unit 22 shown in FIG. 13 a. Pipe brackets 124 are shown in FIG. 13 a for supporting the vent line 110 and internal hot and cold water supply lines and internal vent lines, other brackets may be used to support such lines or any of the other plumbing fittings necessary for the modular plumbing unit 22. FIG. 13 a further shows a basin carrier 103 c, which is appropriately supported on the frame and can also include plumbing fittings necessary for supplying both hot 131 and cold 133 water to each of the basins 132 and plumbing fittings 135 necessary to connecting a drain to each of the basins 132. FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative modular plumbing unit 24 for a one-sided commercial urinal configuration having a vertical waste line 120 a. In such configuration, the vertical waste line can also be secured to the frame 100 c with a pipe bracket or other securing bracket.

FIG. 15 a illustrates a frame 100 d with a schematic representation of a modular plumbing unit 26 having plumbing fittings necessary for a typical commercial two-piece handicap bathroom configuration having a horizontal waste line 120. FIG. 15 b illustrates a schematic top view of the commercial two-piece handicap bathroom having a water closet 122 and sink 132 corresponding to the modular plumbing unit 26 shown in FIG. 15 a. Pipe brackets 124 are shown in FIG. 15 a for supporting the vent line 110 and internal vent lines, other brackets may be used to support such lines or any of the other plumbing fittings necessary for the modular plumbing unit 18. FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative modular plumbing unit 28 for a commercial two-piece handicap bathroom configuration having a vertical waste line 120 a. In such configuration, the vertical waste line is also secured to the frame 100 d with a pipe bracket or other securing bracket.

Although some of the configurations above are shown as one-sided, they can also be configured for two-sided configurations. Furthermore, the two sides of the two-sided configuration do not have to be the same, for example, one side can be a gang of water closets while the other side can be a handicapped configuration as shown in FIG. 16. Furthermore, although the commercial configurations are shown with multiple (or ganged) plumbing fixtures, a modular plumbing unit for only one such plumbing fixture can be provided. The modular plumbing unit for an individual unit can be used by itself where only one such fixture is needed or the modular plumbing units can be stacked in the horizontal direction to provide multiple plumbing fixtures.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 a-17 e, there is illustrated frames for use in modular plumbing units for residential plumbing configurations. The frames 200 a-200 e illustrated in FIGS. 17 a-17 e, respectively, can be constructed of sheet metal having a solid web 202 and first and second flanges 204, 206. Other materials, such as plastic can also be used. The width 208 of the frames can be such that when sheet rocked on both sides, the overall width of the wall will be the same as if standard wood framing is used. In a typical residential wall which holds plumbing (such as a kitchen and/or bathroom wall), a 5½ inch frame width (208) would provide a typical width wall when finished with ½ inch thick sheetrock. The web 202 can also have one or more openings 210 for accommodating water supply, vent and/or drain lines leading out of the frame. As discussed above with regard to the commercial modular plumbing units, the lines which supply water or provide drainage or venting can either terminate outside the boundaries of the frames of the modular plumbing units for residential applications, such as by 2-6 inches, or terminate inside the boundaries of the frame. The openings can take any shape, such as rectangular, square or round. Each opening 210 can accommodate a single or multiple plumbing fittings (tubes, piping and the like). Alternatively, the web 202 can be provided with one or more knockouts 212 (weakened areas that can be removed to provide an opening), shown by dashed lines. The knockouts 212 can be regularly spaced and provided on one or more or all of the sides of the frame. As yet another alternative, instead of the web 202 being solid, it can have regularly spaced openings along the length of one or more sides of the frame. As shown in FIGS. 17 c and 17 e, fastening webs 214 may also be provided for fastening sheetrock to the frame. The webs 214 are particularly useful where the frame is large and the sheetrock would otherwise span a long length without fastening. The webs 214 may be on one or both sides of the frame. Although, the frames shown in FIGS. 17 a-17 a (and FIGS. 1-16 above) are in one plane, they may have multiple planes, such as having two planes that are perpendicular for use in a corner of a wall. FIG. 17 a illustrates a first exemplary size of the frame 200 a being 48 inches high and 15 inches wide, FIG. 17 b illustrates a second exemplary size of the frame 200 b being 48 inches high and 4 foot 8 inches wide, FIG. 17 c illustrates the frame 200 c of FIG. 17 b with webs 214, FIG. 17 d illustrates a third exemplary size of the frame 200 d being 48 inches high and 76 inches wide, FIG. 17 e illustrates the frame 200 e of FIG. 17 d with webs 214. As discussed above, the plumbing fittings used for any of the modular frame units disclosed herein (including those described above with regard to FIGS. 1-16) can be contained within the boundaries of the frame or such fittings can extend outside of the boundaries of the frame.

FIG. 18 a illustrates a frame (referred to generally with reference numeral 200) with a schematic representation of a modular plumbing unit 28 having plumbing fittings necessary for a residential tub/basin/bowl configuration. FIG. 18 b illustrates a schematic top view of the residential configuration having a tub/basin/bowl 218/220/222 configuration corresponding to the modular plumbing unit 28 shown in FIG. 18 a. Pipe brackets 124 are shown in FIG. 18 a for supporting the vent line 110 and internal lines. The modular plumbing unit 28 of FIG. 18 a includes a trap adaptor 226 for the tub 218 and a sanitary tee with left side outlet 228 and floor flange 230 for the bowl (water closet) 222 which extend outside of the boundaries of the frame 200. FIGS. 18 b and 18 c illustrate a similar modular plumbing unit 29 in which the location of the bowl and basin are switched (tub/bowl/basin). FIG. 19 a illustrates a first variation of the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 18 a (modular plumbing unit 28 a) by adding the plumbing fittings 225 necessary for a washing machine 224 one the other side of the wall 216 in which the modular plumbing unit is contained (see FIG. 19 b). FIGS. 19 c and 19 d illustrate a similar modular plumbing unit 29 a in which the location of the bowl and basin are switched (tub/bowl/basin) and having a sanitary tee fitting 228 c with right and left outlets. FIG. 20 a illustrates a second variation of the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 18 a (modular plumbing unit 28 b) by adding the plumbing fittings 227 necessary for a kitchen or laundry sink 232 one the other side of the wall 216 in which the modular plumbing unit is contained (see FIG. 20 b). FIGS. 20 c and 20 d illustrate a similar modular plumbing unit 29 b in which the location of the bowl and basin are switched (tub/bowl/basin) and having a sanitary tee fitting 228 c with right and left outlets, where the laundry/kitchen sink 232 is between the bowl 222 and basin 220. FIGS. 20 e and 20 f illustrate a similar modular plumbing unit 29 c in which the laundry/kitchen sink 232 is between the tub 218 and the bowl 222. FIG. 21 a illustrates a third variation of the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 18 a (modular plumbing unit 28 c) by adding the plumbing fittings necessary for both a kitchen/laundry sink 232 and a washing machine 224 on the other side of the wall 216 in which the modular plumbing unit is contained (see FIG. 21 b). FIGS. 21 c and 21 d illustrate a similar modular plumbing unit 29 c in which the location of the bowl and basin are switched (tub/bowl/basin) and having a sanitary tee fitting 228 c with right and left outlets. Although not shown, any of such modular plumbing units 28-28 c can also have plumbing fittings necessary for a gas powered dryer on the other side of the wall 26.

FIG. 22 a illustrates a frame (referred to generally with reference numeral 200) with a schematic representation of a modular plumbing unit 30 having plumbing fittings necessary for a residential configuration having a basin 220 and bowl 222 configuration where the basin 220 is on the left and the bowl 222 is on the right. FIG. 22 b illustrates a schematic top view of the residential configuration having such a basin 220 and bowl 222 configuration corresponding to the modular plumbing unit 30 shown in FIG. 22 a. Pipe brackets 124 are shown in FIG. 22 a for supporting the vent line 110 and internal lines. FIG. 23 a illustrates a variation of the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 22 a (modular plumbing unit 30 a) by having the bowl 222 on the left, the basin 220 on the right (see FIG. 21 b) and the sanitary tee having a right side outlet 228 a.

FIG. 24 a illustrates a frame (referred to generally with reference numeral 200) with a schematic representation of a modular plumbing unit 32 having plumbing fittings necessary for a residential washing machine 224 and laundry sink 220 configuration where the washing machine 224 is on the left and the laundry sink 220 is on the right and having a horizontal waste line 120. FIG. 24 b illustrates a schematic top view of the residential configuration having such a configuration corresponding to the modular plumbing unit 32 shown in FIG. 24 a. Pipe brackets 124 are shown in FIG. 24 a for supporting the vent line 110 and internal lines. FIG. 25 illustrates a variation of the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 24 a (modular plumbing unit 32 a) in which the waste line 120 a is vertical. FIG. 26 a illustrates a variation of the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 24 a (modular plumbing unit 32 b) by having the laundry sink 220 on the left, the washing machine 222 on the right (see FIG. 26 b) and horizontal waste line 120. FIG. 27 illustrates a variation of the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 26 a (modular plumbing unit 32 c) in which the waste line 120 a is vertical.

FIG. 28 a illustrates a frame (referred to generally with reference numeral 200) with a schematic representation of a modular plumbing unit 34 having plumbing fittings necessary for a residential configuration having a basin 220 and bowl 222 on one side of the wall 216 and a laundry or kitchen sink 220 on the other side of the wall 216, where the basin 220 is on the left and the bowl 222 is on the right. FIG. 28 b illustrates a schematic top view of the residential configuration having such a configuration corresponding to the modular plumbing unit 34 shown in FIG. 28 a. Pipe brackets 124 are shown in FIG. 28 a for supporting the vent line 110. FIG. 29 a illustrates a variation of the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 28 a (modular plumbing unit 34 a) by having the washing machine 222 on the left and the laundry sink 220 on the right (see FIG. 29 b) and a sanitary tee 228 a having a right side outlet.

FIG. 30 a illustrates a frame (referred to generally with reference numeral 200) with a schematic representation of a modular plumbing unit 36 having plumbing fittings necessary for a residential configuration having a bowl/basin/tub configuration. FIG. 30 b illustrates a schematic top view of the residential configuration having such a configuration corresponding to the modular plumbing unit 36 shown in FIG. 30 a. Pipe brackets 124 are shown in FIG. 30 a for supporting the vent line 110 and internal lines. The modular plumbing unit 36 of FIG. 30 a includes a trap adaptor 226 for the tub 218 and a sanitary tee with right side outlet 228 a and floor flange 230 for the bowl (water closet) 222 which extend outside of the boundaries of the frame 200. FIG. 31 a illustrates a first variation of the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 30 a (modular plumbing unit 36 a) by adding the plumbing fittings necessary for a washing machine 224 one the other side of the wall 216 in which the modular plumbing unit is contained (see FIG. 31 b). FIG. 32 a illustrates a second variation of the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 30 a (modular plumbing unit 36 b) by adding the plumbing fittings necessary for a kitchen or laundry sink 232 one the other side of the wall 216 in which the modular plumbing unit is contained (see FIG. 32 b), where the laundry/kitchen sink 232 is between the basin 220 and tub 218. FIGS. 33 a and 33 b illustrate a similar modular plumbing unit 36 c in which the laundry/kitchen sink 232 is between the bowl 222 and the basin 220.

FIGS. 34 a and 34 b show a similar configuration to that of FIGS. 30 a and 30 b, respectively, except that the location of the basin 220 and bowl 222 are switched. The modular plumbing unit 38 of FIG. 34 a has a sanitary tee with right and left outlets 228 c and a cross fitting 234 for tying the vent line 110 to the sanitary tee 228 c. FIGS. 35 a and 35 b illustrate a variation of the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 34 a (modular plumbing unit 38 a) further configured for a washing machine 224 (similar to that of FIGS. 31 a and 31 b). FIGS. 36 a and 36 b illustrate a variation of the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 34 a (modular plumbing unit 38 b) further configured for a kitchen or laundry sink 232 located between the bowl 222 and tub 218 (similar to that of FIGS. 32 a and 32 b). FIGS. 37 a and 38 illustrate a variation of the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 34 a (modular plumbing unit 38 c) further configured for a kitchen or laundry sink 232 located between the basin 220 and bowl 222 (similar to that of FIGS. 33 a and 33 b).

FIG. 39 a illustrates a frame (referred to generally with reference numeral 200) with a schematic representation of a modular plumbing unit 40 having plumbing fittings necessary for a residential configuration having a vanity/bowl/tub configuration where the vanity 236 is on a left wall 216 a perpendicular to the wall 216 having the bowl 222 and tub 218. FIG. 39 b illustrates a schematic top view of the residential configuration having such a configuration corresponding to the modular plumbing unit 40 shown in FIG. 39 a. Pipe brackets 124 are shown in FIG. 39 a for supporting the vent line 110 and internal lines. The modular plumbing unit 40 of FIG. 39 a includes a trap adaptor 226 for the tub 218 and a sanitary tee with right side outlet 228 a and floor flange 230 for the bowl (water closet) 222 which extend outside of the boundaries of the frame 200. The vanity fittings 238 also extend outside the boundaries of the frame 200 and are configured such that they reside within the perpendicular wall 216 a. FIGS. 40 a and 40 b illustrate a first variation of the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 39 a (modular plumbing unit 40 a) where the perpendicular wall 216 b corresponding to the vanity 236 is on the right. FIGS. 41 a and 41 b illustrate a similar modular plumbing unit 40 b in which the plumbing fittings 240 necessary for a laundry/kitchen sink 232 on the other side of the left perpendicular wall 216 a is added. FIGS. 42 a and 42 b illustrate a similar modular plumbing unit 40 c in which the plumbing fittings 240 necessary for a laundry/kitchen sink 232 on the other side of the right perpendicular wall 216 b is added. FIGS. 43 a and 43 b illustrate a second variation of the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 39 a (modular plumbing unit 40 d) where the plumbing fittings necessary for a kitchen/laundry sink 232 is added such that the laundry/kitchen sink 232 is located on the other side of the wall 216 between the vanity 236 and the bowl 222. FIGS. 44 a and 44 b illustrate a similar variation of the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 43 a (modular plumbing unit 40 e) where the plumbing fittings necessary for a kitchen/laundry sink 232 is added such that the laundry/kitchen sink 232 is located on the other side of the wall 216 between the bowl 222 and the tub 218. FIGS. 45 a and 45 b illustrate a variation of the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 40 a (modular plumbing unit 40 f) where the plumbing fittings necessary for a kitchen/laundry sink 232 is added such that the laundry/kitchen sink 232 is located on the other side of the wall 216 between the tub 218 and the bowl 222. FIGS. 46 a and 46 b illustrate a similar variation of the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 44 a (modular plumbing unit 40 g) where the plumbing fittings necessary for a kitchen/laundry sink 232 is added such that the laundry/kitchen sink 232 is located on the other side of the wall 216 between the bowl 222 and the vanity 236. FIGS. 47 a and 47 b illustrate a variation of the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 39 a (modular plumbing unit 40 g) where the plumbing fittings necessary for a kitchen/laundry sink 232 and washing machine 224 are added such that the laundry/kitchen sink 232 is located on the right and the vanity and washing machine are located on the left. FIGS. 48 a and 48 b illustrate a similar variation of the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 47 a (modular plumbing unit 40 i) where the plumbing fittings necessary for a kitchen/laundry sink 232 and washing machine 224 are added such that the laundry/kitchen sink 232 and vanity are located on the right and the washing machine is located on the left.

As discussed above, the modular plumbing units can be configured for a single plumbing fixture, such as a washing machine 224 or kitchen/laundry sink 232. Such modular plumbing units can be used where only one plumbing fixture is necessary or can be connected (stacked) horizontally where more than one plumbing fixture is necessary (as an alternative to a single modular plumbing unit having the plumbing fittings necessary for both (all) of the necessary plumbing fixtures as shown in FIGS. 24 a-27). By way of example of such modular plumbing units configured for a single plumbing fixture, FIG. 49 illustrates a modular plumbing unit 42 having frame 200 and plumbing fittings necessary for a single washing machine and a vertical waste line 120 a. FIG. 50 illustrates a variation of the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 49 (modular plumbing unit 42 a) having a horizontal drain line 120. Similarly, FIG. 51 illustrates a modular plumbing unit 44 having frame 200 and plumbing fittings necessary for a single kitchen/laundry sink and a vertical waste line 120 a. FIG. 52 illustrates a variation of the modular plumbing unit of FIG. 51 (modular plumbing unit 44 a) having a horizontal drain line 120.

While there has been shown and described what is considered to be preferred embodiments of the invention, it will, of course, be understood that various modifications and changes in form or detail could readily be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that the invention be not limited to the exact forms described and illustrated, but should be constructed to cover all modifications that may fall within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A modular plumbing unit comprising: a frame adapted to be placed in a wall; plumbing fittings adapted for connection to a predetermined configuration of plumbing fixtures to one or more of a water supply, drain or vent within the wall; and one or more brackets for securing one or more of the plumbing fittings to the frame.
 2. The modular plumbing unit of claim 1, wherein the frame is adapted for commercial use.
 3. The modular plumbing unit if claim 2, wherein the frame is adapted for covering by a block wall.
 4. The modular plumbing unit of claim 1, wherein the frame is adapted for residential use.
 5. The modular plumbing unit if claim 2, wherein the frame is adapted for covering by sheetrock.
 6. The modular plumbing unit of claim 1, wherein the frame has a U-shaped cross-section with an open end of the U-shaped cross-section facing an interior of the frame.
 7. The modular plumbing unit of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plumbing fittings extend beyond a plane defined by the frame for connection to a corresponding one of the plumbing fixtures.
 8. The modular plumbing unit of claim 1, wherein the predetermined configuration is a bathroom configuration.
 9. The modular plumbing unit of claim 8, wherein the bathroom configuration is a plurality of urinals.
 10. The modular plumbing unit of claim 8, wherein the bathroom configuration is a plurality of sinks.
 11. The modular plumbing unit of claim 8, wherein the bathroom configuration is a sink.
 12. The modular plumbing unit of claim 8, wherein the bathroom configuration is a sink and a toilet.
 13. The modular plumbing unit of claim 8, wherein the bathroom configuration is a sink, a toilet and a bathtub.
 14. The modular plumbing unit of claim 1, wherein the predetermined configuration is a kitchen configuration.
 15. The modular plumbing unit of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more brackets is a strap.
 16. The modular plumbing unit of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more brackets is a pipe clamp.
 17. A method for connecting a predetermined configuration of plumbing fixtures to one or more of a water supply, drain or vent within a wall, the method comprising: placing the plumbing fittings adapted for connection to the predetermined configuration of plumbing fixtures in a frame adapted to be placed in the wall; securing one or more of the plumbing fittings to the frame; and placing the frame in the wall.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising placing a wall covering over at least a portion of the frame after the frame is placed in the wall.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the placing of the plumbing fittings comprises extending at least one of the plumbing fittings beyond a plane defined by the frame for connection to a corresponding one of the plumbing fixtures.
 20. A method of manufacturing a modular frame unit for use in connecting a predetermined configuration of plumbing fixtures to one or more of a water supply, drain or vent within a wall, the method comprising: constructing the frame adopted to be placed in the wall; placing the plumbing fittings adapted for connection to the predetermined configuration of plumbing fixtures in the frame; and securing one or more of the plumbing fittings to the frame. 